Steinway Legends

Steinway & Sons, for over 150 years maker of the world's finest pianos and symbol of quality and excellence to generations, joins forces with Deutsche Grammophon, Decca and Philips. Steinway Legends, a 2-CD series selling at a reduced price, features acclaimed recordings from a select roster of legendary artists along with informative and unique packaging.

The series was conceived to connect the name of Steinway & Sons with a cross section of pianists who work closely with the piano manufacturer - so-called ôSteinway Artists" - and who have recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, Decca and Philips. The artists chosen for the first ten releases include some of today's most celebrated performers such as Alfred Brendel, Martha Argerich, Maurizo Pollini, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Mitsuko Uchida. Others, such as Wilhelm Kempff, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Emil Gilels and Claudio Arrau, have passed from the scene, but their artistry remains a vital part of our musical life through their recorded legacy.

Each artist's program consists of two CDs of carefully chosen repertoire. Selections include not only works for which each artist is famous but also rarities. The contents focus on the great solo piano works that are the foundation of any major career: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, emphasizing the artist's interaction with the repertoire.